The question is; what manner of persons ought we to be?

What we are is more important than what we do.

If we are in right standing with the Lord, i.e. if our walk is pleasing in His sight, then what we do inevitably will be right and pleasing to Him.

2 Pet 3:11-13
Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

The above scripture gives us 4 instructions:

  1. To be in holy conduct and godliness
  2. Looking for the coming of the day of God
  3. And hastening the coming of the day of God
  4. We ought to look towards the new heavens and the new earth in which righteousness will dwell.

The above scripture clearly shows us the promise of God for our future. But for us to inherit the promise, we need to conduct ourselves in the way God shows us through His Word. God confirms He wants to be a Father to us. However, for us to become His sons and daughters, we need to comply with specific instructions.

2 Cor 6:17-7:1
Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate“, says the Lord. “Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters”, says the LORD Almighty. Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The above scripture also gives us specific instructions:

  1. Come out from among them. From whom? The unbelievers, the world. Does it mean we have to live in a place where there are no unbelievers? No, it merely means we must not allow the spirit of this age to arrest us and to cling to us.
  2. Be separated. Set yourself apart for God’s work and will for your life.
  3. Do not touch what is unclean. It does not mean something physical you can touch. It refers to mental uncleansed. What we see with our eyes, what we read and listen to, is what can defile us.
  4. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit.

Jesus said blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. A pure heart will produce a pure life. What you put in your heart is what will come out of your heart. Wrong things (sin) will produce the wrong fruit, and righteous things will produce righteous fruit.

Prov 4:23 
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

The above scripture makes it very clear that EVERYTHING in life comes from out of our hearts. Therefore, a good heart will produce a good life.

Let’s take a closer look at point number 4: Here, actively, we need to be involved in cleansing ourselves as well. We have the responsibility to cleanse ourselves from all manner of filthiness of the flesh. And to keep the spirit clean, we need to stay away from any occultic influences or false doctrines. The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He paid the price and took away my sin. Now it is my responsibility to live a pure and righteous life daily, guarding my heart with all diligence!